Lagosians Turn To BRT As Fuel Price Hike Pushes Transport Fares Higher

Residents of Lagos are increasingly turning to the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system as rising fuel prices continue to push up transportation fares across the state.

This shift comes amid a fresh surge in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), triggered by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have disrupted global crude oil markets and led to higher fuel costs in Nigeria.

LEADERSHIP reports that the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran has heightened volatility in the global oil market, forcing an upward adjustment in petroleum product prices locally.

Across many filling stations in Lagos, petrol now sells between N1,330 and N1,350 per litre, while diesel ranges from N1,650 to N1,700 per litre. Aviation fuel prices have also climbed to between N2,143 and N2,200 per litre.

The rising cost of fuel has triggered an immediate increase in transport fares, particularly among commercial bus operators who often adjust prices in response to fuel price fluctuations.

However, commuters appear to be seeking relief in the BRT system, which maintains relatively stable fares despite a recent upward review.

Visits by LEADERSHIP to major BRT terminals across the state, including Abule-Egba, Iyana-Ipaja, Oshodi, Obalende, Ikorodu and Ikeja, revealed unusually long queues as more commuters opt for the government-run transport system.

Many passengers attributed the growing patronage to the comparatively lower and more predictable fares offered by the BRT buses compared to commercial buses.

Speaking with LEADERSHIP, a commuter, Koforola Komolafe, described the BRT system as a cost-effective alternative amid rising transport fares, noting that fares on some routes have increased by as much as 20 per cent among commercial bus operators.

According to her, although passenger queues have grown significantly due to the surge in demand, many commuters remain willing to wait because of the savings offered by the BRT service.

“The queues are longer than before, but that is still better compared to the price of commercial buses,” she said.
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“For instance, from Abule-Egba to Oshodi by commercial bus is now about N1,500, compared to N680 charged by BRT. It is more cost-effective to use BRT than commercial buses.”

Another commuter, Rasheed Waheed, said he has deliberately adopted the BRT system as part of efforts to reduce his daily transportation expenses.

Waheed, who resides in neighbouring Ogun State, explained that he first boards a local bus to the Abule-Egba terminal, where he connects to a BRT bus heading to Oshodi or Obalende, depending on his destination.

He noted that the BRT option not only helps him manage transportation costs but also provides a faster and more predictable commuting experience compared to commercial buses, which frequently adjust fares.

“Since fuel prices have been going up and transportation costs continue to rise, I have taken solace in BRT,” he said.

“It has helped me manage my transportation costs across the state. We can only call on the government to please increase the number of buses because the ones available now are not enough.”

Transportation analysts say the growing pressure on the BRT system reflects the wider economic impact of rising energy costs on urban mobility, particularly in cities like Lagos where millions depend on public transport daily.

They warn that unless more buses are deployed and mass transit options expanded, overcrowding at BRT terminals may worsen as more residents abandon costlier commercial transport options.